Explain how historians would characterize the use of executive orders for the first 100 years of American presidential history.(1 point)
Historians would characterize the use of executive orders in the first 100 years of American presidential history as relatively limited. During this period, from 1789 to 1889, a total of 88 executive orders were issued by the presidents.
The early presidents, such as George Washington and John Adams, used executive orders sparingly and primarily to issue administrative directives or clarify existing laws. These orders were often related to fairly routine matters and did not involve significant policy changes.
Thomas Jefferson's presidency saw a significant increase in the use of executive orders, primarily due to the Louisiana Purchase and the need to establish governance and administration in the newly acquired territory. However, even during this time, executive orders were still relatively infrequent and not used extensively for major policy decisions.
The Civil War era, particularly Abraham Lincoln's presidency, witnessed a notable rise in the use of executive orders due to the extraordinary circumstances of the conflict. Lincoln issued several executive orders related to the emancipation of slaves, military proclamations, and the establishment of military tribunals.
In general, however, executive orders were not as prevalent or significant during this period compared to later years in American history. The limited use of executive orders reflects the founding fathers' intent to prioritize legislative action and the principle of checks and balances by requiring the involvement of Congress in decision-making.
Overall, historians would describe the use of executive orders in the first 100 years of American presidential history as relatively minimal, with the practice becoming more prevalent and prominent in later years.